Mine is currently too big, and hits one of the rails on my chassis when the engine is far enough back for the gearbox to be in the correct position!
So, does anyone know if there is an alternative out there, that either re-locates the thermostat housing? or should I just live with it, and modify the transmission tunnel? (its only about 6-10mm)

Cheers Guys Jas Gray

There are a few "water rails" that relocate the thermostat on a Zetec for RWD installations, but they aren't cheap by any stretch. One of the better ones is made by Retro Ford and will cost you the best part of £200.

Dunnel also make a good one, and Raceline make one though several people have had air lock/overheating problems with it.

http://www.racelineonline.co.uk/products/part_section.asp?SectionID=35&CategoryID=2

Raceline do a water rail kit, I'm using one on the MG, seems to work fine although some people have claimed it restricts flow and can cause over heating....

[Edited on 24/8/09 by r1_pete]
Rescued attachment bay1.jpg

Modify the top rail, I have the 1.8 and have the standard stat fitted no problems.

I originally had a Raceline water rail but had no end of problems. IMO thermostat is too far away from the engine to get hot enough although I now believe relocating the by pass hose closer to the stat will help that. Boiling over, running cold etc etc.

I have gone back to the original 1.8 stat housing and it works flawlessly.

1.7SE engine has a 90 degree elbow out of the head with the stat behind it. May be worth a look at.

I am using a 1.6 zetec in my Locost, it came from a Fiesta SI and the thermostat housing exits to the side of the engine, not the rear.

Cheers,

B

Cheers for all the suggestions guys!
In the end I chopped one of my top rails then the engine slid right into place perfectly!!